US warship sails through Taiwan Strait, second time in a month

A US warship reportedly sailed through sensitive strait of Taiwan for second time in a month, US and Taiwan confirmed. This comes amid heightened tension between China and Taiwan with former irked by increasing US support for Taiwan. China has, since long, claimed authority over island nation but Taiwan has repeatedly claimed sovereignty and independence.

On April 24, Taiwan’s defence ministry reportedly said that US warship travelled through narrow strait of Taiwan, that separates island from China, in sournly direction adding that it continued to sail south. Though ministry did t provide details of ship, it added that ship was monitored by Taiwan's armed forces and was on an “ordinary mission”. 

However, a US Seventh Fleet spokesman,  Lieutenant Anthony Junco revealed that  ship was a guided-missile destroyer 'USS Barry' which was conducting a “routine Taiwan Strait transit” complying with international law. Speaking at a news briefing, he added, “ ship's transit through Taiwan Strait demonstrates US commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. US Navy will continue to fly, sail and operate anywhere international law allows.”

Two weeks ago, USS Barry ship sailed through strait, same day that Chinese fighter jets took part in a drill close to Taiwan. In recent times, Chinese drills and movements close to island nation have increased. On April 23, Taiwan claimed that a Chinese aircraft carrier had sailed to its south through Bashi canal and was continuing east.

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'One China' policy 

Apart from rising drills, China and Taiwan have quarrelled on or issues as well. Taiwan recently slammed  World Health Organisation, however, China showed an objection to it. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Spokesperson said that while Taiwan's participation was important in WHO, it must be arranged via cross-consultation with China under its 'One-China' policy. China stated that any responsible country will ascertain facts before jumping to conclusions about  vel Coronavirus.

Read: Taiwan Blames Trolls From China For Issuing Fake Apology To WHO Chief

Read: Trump Piles Pressure; US Trying To Get 'actual Sample' Of Coronavirus From China

Representative Im: AP